Steaming Delights: Cooking With Miele Steam Ovens

Cooking with a Miele steam oven offers a range of benefits, from flavour and health to convenience and simplicity. Before using your Miele steam oven for the first time, it is essential to read the operating instructions manual to avoid accidents or damage to the appliance. The manual includes safety instructions, information on accessories and functions, and guidance on cleaning and maintenance. The Miele steam oven has a temperature range of 40°C to 100°C and offers various cooking options, including melting chocolate, skinning vegetables and fruit, and extracting juice. It is also possible to cook a whole meal with different cooking durations for each component.

How to set the water hardness level

To set the water hardness level for your Miele steam oven, you must first determine the hardness of your water supply. You can do this by using the test strip that came with your appliance, or by contacting your local water authority, who can provide you with the information.

Water hardness is measured on a scale of I to IV or 1 to >21 °dH (German degrees of hardness). Once you know the hardness level of your water supply, you can set the appropriate level on your steam oven. This is done by adjusting the settings according to the instructions in your user manual.

It is important to set the correct water hardness level as it can affect the performance of your appliance. If the hardness level is set too low, it can result in scale build-up, which can impact the efficiency of the oven. On the other hand, if the hardness level is set too high, it can lead to increased salt usage.

You can also check the hardness level of your water by referring to your local water utility company's website, as this information is usually publicly available. This will help you ensure that your Miele steam oven is set to the correct water hardness level, optimizing its performance and longevity.

How to set the temperature and duration

The Miele steam oven has a temperature range of 40 °C to 100 °C. The default temperature is set at 100 °C when the oven is switched on, and you can adjust the temperature in 5 °C increments.

The duration of the heating-up phase depends on the quantity and temperature of the food. The display will show the temperature of the cooking compartment as it rises.

The durations provided in the charts are only estimates. It is advised that you choose the shorter cooking time specified. If the food is not adequately cooked after the shorter time, it can be returned to the oven and cooked for a longer period.

The Miele steam oven also has an automatic menu cooking feature that determines the temperature, cooking duration, and sequence of when to add food to ensure that all food is ready at the same time.

How to cook a full meal

Steam ovens are a great way to cook a full meal, adding moisture to your dishes and helping you prepare a variety of foods, from chicken and vegetables to bread and desserts. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a delicious and nutritious meal using your Miele steam oven.

Step 1: Plan Your Menu

First, decide on the dishes you want to include in your full meal. A balanced meal typically consists of a protein source, carbohydrates, vegetables, and perhaps a dessert. Here's a suggested menu:

• Main Course: Steam Oven Roast Chicken
• Side Dish: Roasted Cauliflower & Chickpea Salad
• Bread: Steam Oven Bread Rolls
• Dessert: Simple Steam Oven Chocolate Cake

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients needed for each dish. For the roast chicken, you'll need a whole chicken, seasonings, and perhaps some root vegetables like potatoes or carrots. For the salad, you'll need cauliflower, chickpeas, and any additional vegetables or dressings. For the bread rolls, you'll need flour, yeast, and any desired seasonings. And for the chocolate cake, you'll need flour, cocoa powder, baking soda or powder, eggs, butter or oil, and any desired mix-ins like chocolate chips.

Step 3: Cooking the Meal

Follow these general guidelines for cooking your meal in the Miele steam oven:

• Refer to your Miele steam oven's user manual for specific instructions and settings.
• Preheat your oven to the appropriate temperature for the dish you're preparing.
• For the roast chicken, season it with your chosen herbs and spices, place it on a roasting rack, and cook it according to the weight and doneness guidelines provided by your oven manufacturer.
• Prepare the roasted cauliflower and chickpea salad by cutting the cauliflower into florets, tossing them in olive oil and seasonings, and steaming them until tender. Cook the chickpeas separately if needed. Assemble the salad with any other desired ingredients and dressings.
• To make the bread rolls, follow a basic bread dough recipe, allowing for proofing and baking times in your steam oven.
• For the chocolate cake, mix the dry ingredients, add eggs, butter or oil, and any desired mix-ins. Grease a cake pan and pour in the batter. Bake according to the recipe's instructions, adjusting the time and temperature as needed for your steam oven.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying

Once all the components of your meal are cooked, it's time to plate and serve! Present the food family-style or plate individually, ensuring everyone gets a portion of the roast chicken, salad, bread, and a slice of chocolate cake for dessert. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the benefits of healthy, steamed food!

Your Miele steam oven is a versatile appliance that can help you create delicious and nutritious meals. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the convenience of cooking a full meal in one appliance!

How to defrost food

Defrosting food in a Miele steam oven is a quick and easy process. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the oven and racks: Place both wire racks in the oven, setting them on positions 2 and 3. Place the solid steam oven pan on the lowest rack position, which is rack position 1.
• Preheat the oven: Turn the oven to Steam Mode and set the temperature to 60 °C. For minced meat and game, use a slightly lower temperature of 50 °C.
• Remove packaging: Take off all packaging from the food before defrosting. However, leave bread, biscuits, and cakes in their packaging to prevent them from absorbing moisture and becoming soft.
• Place food on the racks: Put the frozen food items on the wire racks. If defrosting poultry or any food that will drip, use a perforated container with the condensate tray underneath to catch the defrosted liquid.
• Defrost: Check the food after 15 minutes. Depending on the thickness and type of food, it may need additional time to defrost completely.
• Allow standing time: Once the food is defrosted, remove it from the oven and let it stand at room temperature. This allows the heat to distribute evenly throughout the food.
• Observe food hygiene: For defrosting poultry, follow food hygiene rules. Do not use the liquid from defrosted poultry, as it may contain harmful bacteria such as salmonella. Pour the liquid away, and wash the container, sink, and your hands afterward.

By following these steps, you can efficiently defrost various types of food in your Miele steam oven, ensuring they are ready for cooking or further preparation.

How to clean your steam oven

To clean your steam oven, you should first remove any food residue with a damp microfibre cloth or a clean sponge and a solution of hot water and washing-up liquid. Be sure to wipe down the front of the oven, the door seal, and the floor heater. You can use a little vinegar to remove any bluish discolouration on the cooking containers, or a stainless steel hob cleaner. Rinse the cooking containers with clean water to remove any residual cleaning agent.

After each use, remove, empty, and dry the water container. Release the insert by pushing the catches on the sides towards each other and then pull it out of the container. After cleaning, dry both parts thoroughly before replacing them in the water container.

For descaling, Miele recommends using their descaling tablets or a proprietary citric acid-based descaling agent. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the packaging. Ensure that the descaling agent does not come into contact with the metal control panel or the door handle as this could cause marks.

Do not use a steam cleaning appliance to clean your oven, as this could cause a short circuit. Similarly, do not use commercial cleaning agents; only use agents designed for domestic use.

Frequently asked questions